Using Google Earth to Assess Shade for Sun Protection in Urban Recreation Spaces: Methods and Results

Journal of Community Health
Ryan GageGeorge Thomson

Abstract

Shade in public spaces can lower the risk of and sun burning and skin cancer. However, existing methods of auditing shade require travel between sites, and sunny weather conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of free computer software-Google Earth-for assessing shade in urban open spaces. A shade projection method was developed that uses Google Earth street view and aerial images to estimate shade at solar noon on the summer solstice, irrespective of the date of image capture. Three researchers used the method to separately estimate shade cover over pre-defined activity areas in a sample of 45 New Zealand urban open spaces, including 24 playgrounds, 12 beaches and 9 outdoor pools. Outcome measures included method accuracy (assessed by comparison with a subsample of field observations of 10 of the settings) and inter-rater reliability. Of the 164 activity areas identified in the 45 settings, most (83%) had no shade cover. The method identified most activity areas in playgrounds (85%) and beaches (93%) and was accurate for assessing shade over these areas (predictive values of 100%). Only 8% of activity areas at outdoor pools were identified, due to a lack of street view images. Reliability for shade cover estim...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 31, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Health Research·Sven SchneiderBärbel Holzwarth
Feb 21, 2019·American Journal of Public Health·Daniel P Giovenco, Torra E Spillane
Sep 23, 2021·Health Promotion Journal of Australia : Official Journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals·Ryan GageLouise Signal

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